delve
verb (used without object)
to carry on intensive and thorough research for data, information, or the like; investigate.
had been delving
-
past perfect progressiveof delve.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With their new mathematical tools they had been delving deep into atomic secrets, and they had come to realize that atomic nuclei hold enormous stores of potentially destructive energy.
From Time Magazine Archive
Since February archeologists had been delving into a 30-foot mound in the mountains of Guatemala.
From Time Magazine Archive
But it had swept-back wings, quick visual proof that the Russians and their German experts had been delving deep into transsonic research.
From Time Magazine Archive
He had not been out of Italy, but he had been delving deep into the picturesque heart of the lovely land, and gathering a wonderful store of subjects.
From Roderick Hudson by James, Henry
